STEM OPT Aerospace Jobs
Aerospace engineering and related STEM roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization after graduation. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree must align with an approved CIP code in a qualifying STEM field such as aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering.
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We are seeking an Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer to join Amazon Leo. In this role, you will be a significant and autonomous contributor responsible for the design, fabrication, and commissioning of manufacturing tools and processes for aerospace flight hardware. You will lead team discussions on product design, schedules, and prioritization while serving as the main point of contact for supplier production teams. This position requires solving difficult manufacturing engineering problems with limited guidance, applying lean manufacturing principles and root cause analysis methodologies to drive continuous improvement and deliver high-quality manufacturing solutions that ensure production readiness across manufacturing lines.
Key job responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, and commission manufacturing tools and processes for aerospace flight hardware production
- Lead structured problem-solving initiatives using root cause analysis methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, 8D) to identify and resolve manufacturing defects and non-conformances
- Implement lean manufacturing tools and techniques including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen events, 5S, and waste elimination to optimize production processes
- Lead team/product design, schedule, and prioritization discussions
- Serve as the main point of contact supporting supplier production teams on schedule, design, qualification, and launch activities
- Define operation steps and sequencing within ERP tools, collaborating with design and quality engineers to ensure conforming product and traceability requirements
- Conduct cycle time analysis and implement process improvements to reduce manufacturing cycle time and improve labor efficiency
- Ensure end-to-end production readiness and provide line-side support for manufacturing lines
- Define best practices for handling mechanical hardware, sensitive electronics, and electrical components
- Use Statistical Process Control (SPC) and quality data analysis tools to detect processes going out of control and implement corrective actions
- Present proposals and data analysis to leadership demonstrating requirements will be met
- Drive initiatives involving engineering peers and internal partners such as production managers and advanced production coordinators
- Create and execute improvement plans to address quality excursions using structured problem-solving methodologies
A day in the life
Your responsibilities will include identifying and resolving assembly issues to keep builds on schedule, as well as driving efficiency improvements through tooling, automation, and design or process changes. You will collaborate closely with design, tooling, dynamics, thermal, test and electrical engineering teams to achieve these objectives.
- 30% on the shop floor, working with production teams to implement new processes, review & solve key technical blockers in production, performing production development testing, etc.
- 40% independent development work analyzing production and test data to identify and implement key production improvement actions, acting on quality escapes by developing and implementing new quality control measures, developing & executing to existing roadmaps for capacity increase, process simplification, etc.
- 30% meeting settings, collaborating with others on topics such as new design introductions, production process change management, production solution finding reviews, etc.
About the team
We are a fast-paced, data-driven team working with leaders in multiple technology areas to deliver the best product for our customers. We hold each other to relentlessly high standards, and constantly look for ways to improve the product’s performance, quality and cost. We are motivated by technical challenges and want individuals who are excited for the fast pace of production.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with test plan development, building the necessary test bench infrastructure, developing tests and verifying the design
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent field
- 4+ years of hardware development, test lab, space/aerospace maintenance or hands-on engineering environment experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
- Experience participating in daily Kaizen events to identify and implement process improvement change initiatives
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, WA, Kirkland
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
We are seeking an Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer to join Amazon Leo. In this role, you will be a significant and autonomous contributor responsible for the design, fabrication, and commissioning of manufacturing tools and processes for aerospace flight hardware. You will lead team discussions on product design, schedules, and prioritization while serving as the main point of contact for supplier production teams. This position requires solving difficult manufacturing engineering problems with limited guidance, applying lean manufacturing principles and root cause analysis methodologies to drive continuous improvement and deliver high-quality manufacturing solutions that ensure production readiness across manufacturing lines.
Key job responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, and commission manufacturing tools and processes for aerospace flight hardware production
- Lead structured problem-solving initiatives using root cause analysis methodologies (5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, 8D) to identify and resolve manufacturing defects and non-conformances
- Implement lean manufacturing tools and techniques including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen events, 5S, and waste elimination to optimize production processes
- Lead team/product design, schedule, and prioritization discussions
- Serve as the main point of contact supporting supplier production teams on schedule, design, qualification, and launch activities
- Define operation steps and sequencing within ERP tools, collaborating with design and quality engineers to ensure conforming product and traceability requirements
- Conduct cycle time analysis and implement process improvements to reduce manufacturing cycle time and improve labor efficiency
- Ensure end-to-end production readiness and provide line-side support for manufacturing lines
- Define best practices for handling mechanical hardware, sensitive electronics, and electrical components
- Use Statistical Process Control (SPC) and quality data analysis tools to detect processes going out of control and implement corrective actions
- Present proposals and data analysis to leadership demonstrating requirements will be met
- Drive initiatives involving engineering peers and internal partners such as production managers and advanced production coordinators
- Create and execute improvement plans to address quality excursions using structured problem-solving methodologies
A day in the life
Your responsibilities will include identifying and resolving assembly issues to keep builds on schedule, as well as driving efficiency improvements through tooling, automation, and design or process changes. You will collaborate closely with design, tooling, dynamics, thermal, test and electrical engineering teams to achieve these objectives.
- 30% on the shop floor, working with production teams to implement new processes, review & solve key technical blockers in production, performing production development testing, etc.
- 40% independent development work analyzing production and test data to identify and implement key production improvement actions, acting on quality escapes by developing and implementing new quality control measures, developing & executing to existing roadmaps for capacity increase, process simplification, etc.
- 30% meeting settings, collaborating with others on topics such as new design introductions, production process change management, production solution finding reviews, etc.
About the team
We are a fast-paced, data-driven team working with leaders in multiple technology areas to deliver the best product for our customers. We hold each other to relentlessly high standards, and constantly look for ways to improve the product’s performance, quality and cost. We are motivated by technical challenges and want individuals who are excited for the fast pace of production.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with test plan development, building the necessary test bench infrastructure, developing tests and verifying the design
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or an equivalent field
- 4+ years of hardware development, test lab, space/aerospace maintenance or hands-on engineering environment experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
- Experience participating in daily Kaizen events to identify and implement process improvement change initiatives
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
LOCATION
USA, WA, Kirkland
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: 117,300.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
See all 81+ STEM OPT Aerospace Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Aerospace
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, and astronautical engineering all appear on the list, but dual-major or interdisciplinary degrees sometimes require DSO confirmation before your extension is filed.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Any employer hiring you on STEM OPT must be actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Ask the recruiter for the company's E-Verify Client ID or search the E-Verify employer search tool directly to confirm current enrollment status before signing.
Use O*NET to match your degree to aerospace job codes
Aerospace roles span multiple Standard Occupational Classification codes. Pull the O*NET occupation profile for your target title to confirm the degree field requirement aligns with your CIP code, which strengthens your I-983 training plan when your DSO files the extension.
Build your I-983 training plan around measurable engineering goals
Aerospace employers often work on long-cycle projects like propulsion systems or avionics platforms. Structure your I-983 learning objectives around specific technical competencies tied to those projects so the connection between your STEM degree and your job duties is explicit and defensible.
Target contractors through DOL LCA disclosure data on Migrate Mate
Defense and aerospace contractors file Labor Condition Applications for STEM roles every year. Search Migrate Mate to surface which aerospace employers have active LCA filings, so you're applying to companies that have already demonstrated willingness to hire and sponsor international STEM workers.
Start your extension paperwork 90 days before OPT expires
USCIS requires the STEM OPT extension application to be filed before your initial OPT EAD expires. File at least 90 days out to preserve cap-gap protection if an H-1B visa petition is filed on your behalf before October 1 of the following fiscal year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my aerospace engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, and astronautical engineering degrees all appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and qualify for the 24-month extension. If your degree has a different title, your DSO can confirm whether its CIP code is on the approved list. Related fields like mechanical engineering and electrical engineering also qualify when the role involves aerospace applications.
What E-Verify requirement applies to aerospace employers hiring STEM OPT students?
Any employer hiring you under the STEM OPT extension must be enrolled in E-Verify at the location where you'll be working. Enrollment must be current and active, not lapsed. You can confirm this by requesting the employer's E-Verify Client ID directly or by using the E-Verify employer search tool before you accept an offer.
How does the I-983 training plan work for aerospace roles?
Your employer and DSO complete Form I-983 together, documenting how your aerospace job duties connect to your STEM degree. For aerospace roles, this typically involves specifying engineering competencies like systems design, propulsion analysis, or avionics integration. The employer must also conduct a formal performance evaluation at the midpoint and end of your STEM OPT period.
How do I find aerospace employers who are already set up to hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lets you filter aerospace job listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and active DOL Labor Condition Application filings, so you're not spending time on companies that haven't sponsored international STEM workers before. Focusing on employers with existing LCA history significantly shortens the path from application to offer.
What happens to my work authorization if my aerospace employer files an H-1B petition on my behalf?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition before April 1 of your final STEM OPT year and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. USCIS recognizes this bridge period, so you don't need to stop working while the H-1B petition is pending adjudication.